As the school league tables are published, teachers and headteachers are preparing to boycott next year's tests.

The county's headteachers gathered in Preston for a rallying cry from leaders of two of the largest teaching unions.

The meeting heard that support for industrial action against next year's controversial Sats test is growing.

Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, and Gill Godswen, President elect of the National Union of Teachers, were in the city for the first time.

They told around 90 headteachers they must continue to fight to abolish the tests.

Mick Brookes said: "These tests are damaging our children but at least we've now got some recognition (from the Government) for teacher assessment.

"What we are saying, with the NUT, is that teacher assessment is very important and at least as accurate as Sats."

But he added: "If they think we are going to swap one set of Sats in year six for eight, they can think again."

The former primary school head said: " We are the professionals who know what is best for children and we have the contact with parents. It is up to use to speak up."

Gill Godswen said: "Sats are bad for children, bad for schools and education.

"Sats don't tell teachers anything they don't know already and don't tell parents anything teachers can't."

Preston headteacher David Fann, national executive member of the NAHT, told the meeting: "We have got to take back the control of the education of our children. That is what this is about.

"We don't want to get rid of accountability, but what we are saying is that it should be done in a different ways and not through Sats."

Both unions are awaiting the outcome of surveys of members to test support for a national boycott of next year's tests.

Governing bodies of Lancashire schools are being asked to support heads in their campaign.


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